Reviews

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

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crazygoangirl's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this ‘found family’ story featuring the three Fossil sisters - Pauline, Petrova and Posy. They are each unique in their own way and share a true and deep sibling bond. Each one has her own character arc and although Petrova was my favourite I loved the family dynamics among the primarily female characters! The excellent Mr. Simpson provides a balanced and sensible male role model while Gum provides the eccentricity! Nana, Sylvia, Theo, the cook, Clara, the doctors & Madame Fidolia are all beautifully sketched out and inspiring.

I’ve read Streatfeild before and I like her no-nonsense, realistic stories that are lightheartedly treated so as to be impactful but not depressing. There is crushing poverty and all that it entails but there is always an abundance of hope and human kindness. The importance of humility, perseverance, dedication, ambition, sacrifice, and hope is beautifully if subtly stressed.

It’s just the kind of feel-good story I needed to get me further out of my reading slump! A great read for children and adults alike, especially together ☺️

charlottenotcharlie's review against another edition

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Narration was janky

chelseamh98's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

claudiefrancis's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

nickscoby's review against another edition

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4.0

Positively lovely. Aside from the Judy Blume catalogue, this is one of those books that fueled my imagination as a youth. I definitely identified with Petrova. As an adult, I am quite impressed with how female positive this book is.

katdfleming's review against another edition

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4.0

A very sweet old-fashioned story. It rolls along pleasantly with small little adventures that reminded me of those in Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables. Safe, cozy tales that surround you in the story, like you are being wrapped up in a comforting blanket. Charming is really the best word. Each of the three orphan characters in the book finds and pursues what she loves best in the world.